Field trips in Germany and abroad are an integral part of the Geosciences curriculum.
Image: Christoph Worsch
What are Geosciences and what do you learn during your studies?
Exploring the earth scientifically
Geosciences are needed in many areas of society. For example, to
explore and sustainably utilise raw materials such as oil, gas or metals
investigate climate and environmental changes and develop adaptation strategies
assess natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or landslides
analyse and protect soils and groundwater
analyse the subsoil for construction projects such as bridges or buildings
Geoscientists conduct scientific research into the Earth system and deal with all geoscientifically relevant chemical, physical and biological processes on our planet.
The three sub-fields in Jena: Geology, Mineralogy, Geophysics
Geosciences is a collective term for several disciplines, and the degree programme in Jena encompasses these three areas: Geology, Mineralogy and Geophysics. Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics are also part of the curriculum. You will also learn various working methods in the laboratory, in the field and on the computer.
The three areas in detail:
Geology deals with the formation, development and structure of the earth. It focuses on the forces and processes that lead to the formation and deformation of rocks. Geologists also study the properties of different types of rock and the interactions between groundwater and rocks.
Mineralogy is the material science in the Geosciences. It investigates the formation, composition and properties of minerals as the basic building blocks of rocks. The knowledge of mineralogists is required, among other things, to understand the formation of raw materials and to develop new building and construction materials for industry.
Geophysics deals with phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions as well as the Earth's magnetic field. It uses physical methods and mathematical models to investigate the dynamics of the Earth's interior and to understand the interaction between the solid Earth, oceans and atmosphere. For example, geophysicists use seismographs and gravimeters to measure elastic waves and density differences in the subsurface.
Do you find these and similar things exciting? Then studying Geosciences might be the right thing for you!
A female student is doing gephysical field work
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
Why study Geosciences in Jena?
1. Familiar and practical
With us, you will study in a family atmosphere with small learning groups and close contact with the teaching staff.
The degree programme also includes many practical courses, including field trips as well as practical field and laboratory work. The field trips take place in Germany and abroad. There are also numerous interesting geoscientific destinations in Jena and the surrounding area.
The Geosciences degree programme in Jena provides you with essential foundations in the natural sciences - especially Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics - as well as in the geoscientific sub-disciplines of Geology, Mineralogy and Geophysics. You will therefore receive a broad education.
At the same time, there is a wide range of electives on offer from the first year of study: You can choose advanced modules from the basic natural science subjects as well as from the various Geosciences fields. This allows you to set your own individual focus depending on your interests.
3. Close cooperation with companies and research institutions
The Institute of Geosciences also comprises the Moxa Geodynamic Observatory, the Thuringian Seismic Network and the Mineralogical Collection - one of the oldest and largest university collections in Germany.
There are also close collaborations with companies and non-university research institutions, such as the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry. This allows you to work on current and applied research projects early on in your studies and establish contacts in practice.
The university also supports you right from the start in preparing for your career entry. For example, the Career Point offers application coaching and job fairs. With the Career Plan certificate programme, you can make your studies career-oriented. And students interested in an academic career can take part in a special honours programme.
4. Studying abroad for a semester? No problem!
A semester abroad is a valuable experience. This is possible during both the Bachelor's and Master's programmes - without losing any study time.
Friedrich Schiller University has numerous partner universities throughout Europe and beyond. There are Erasmus+ exchange places for Geosciences students in France, Greece, Norway and Slovenia, for example.
The University of Jena is also a member of the EC2U Alliance, the European Campus of City Universities: This gives you additional opportunities to gain international experience during your studies. For example, you can take part in summer schools, think tanks and many other projects and events.
5. No entry requirements
Studying Geosciences at Bachelor's level is possible at the University of Jena without admission restrictions (i.e. no Numerus Clausus). So you can simply enrol - and off you go!
A Bachelor's degree in Geosciences or related disciplines is required for admission to one of the master's degree programmes. In some cases, there are further requirements.
6. "Student paradise Jena": Studying in a lively and green university city
Jena is a typical university town with a lively student life and international flair. Around a fifth of the approximately 110,000 inhabitants are students. In addition, there are numerous doctoral candidates from all over the world.
There is also plenty of greenery in Jena: parks and hiking trails with spectacular views of the city are right on the doorstep. Students can also visit the Botanical Gardens free of charge.
For sports fans, the university sports centre offers numerous sports courses: from Aikido to rugby and Zumba.
And the student ID is also a culture and semester ticket: this means admission to several cultural facilities and museums in Jena as well as a Germany ticket ("Deutschlandticket") for public transport are included.
Geoscientists are characterised by their broad scientific knowledge and skills. They are therefore sought-after experts in a wide range of industries - both in companies in the private sector and in public administration.
Possible employers and sectors are, for example
Energy and raw materials supply
Water management
Environmental and nature conservation
Insurance companies
Building construction and civil engineering
Engineering and surveying offices
Environmental education, geoparks, museums
Universities and research institutions
Possible activities include
Carrying out ground investigations during the construction of bridges, tunnels or other large structures using geophysical and geodynamic measurements
Planning and managing landscape conservation and water protection areas using digital maps and geoinformation systems
Locating and assessing deposits using seismic measurements, borehole surveys or drones
Assessing the risk of landslides or other geohazards and plan mitigation measures
Monitoring forests, water bodies and soils for damage and pollution and prepare environmental assessments
Exploring groundwater reserves for drinking water supply and developing plans for sustainable use
Developing innovative materials for the construction and materials industry
Situation on the labour market
According to the Professional Association of German GeoscientistsExternal link, most geoscientists work in applied areas in industry and business, engineering offices or on a freelance basis. Around 15 % work in offices and authorities, around 10 % in science and teaching and around a quarter in specialist and non-specialist areas.
Opportunities on the labour market are generally good for natural scientists with a university degree. In the subject area of Geography, Geology and Environmental Protection professions, the unemployment rate in 2025 was 4.3 (source: German Federal Employment AgencyExternal link). However, the labour market situation depends heavily on the sector and the specific role.
Graduate portraits
You can find some specific examples in our graduate portraits:
Most Bachelor's graduates decide to continue with a master's programme. The University of Jena offers several master's degree programmes in the area of Geosciences with different thematic focuses.
If you are interested in pursuing a doctorate in Geosciences, the University of Jena also offers excellent opportunities. The Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences is one of the university's strongest research faculties and there are regularly open doctoral positions as part of the numerous externally funded projects. The Faculty is also involved in several structured doctoral programmes .
For students who are interested in an academic career at an early stage, there is a special support programme for research-oriented students.
During a visit to the mineralogical collection, you can immerse yourself in the world of rocks and minerals. There is a permanent exhibition and regularly changing special exhibitions as well as workshops and guided tours on request.
You can get to know students and teaching staff at the Student Info Day. There are information stands, lectures, campus tours and much more. The day always takes place in spring each year.
School classes can "hire" professors for a lecture at school. There is a choice of lectures on the topics of earth, raw materials, energy, climate and the environment.
The generally understandable lectures always take place in the winter semester. They are ideal for getting to know our scientists up close and gaining an insight into current research topics! You can also watch some of the lectures online.
Image: Claudia Hilbert/Universität Jena
What our students say: Reviews of Geosciences B.Sc. at StudyCheck.de
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